On Feb. 16, 2021, more than 20 years after its release, Lauryn Hill's landmark album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was certified diamond. The RIAA shared the news, declaring it had sold 10 million copies since its 1998 release.

With the distinction, Hill joined an exclusive list of Hip-Hop artists to achieve diamond status including MC Hammer's Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP, 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me, and OutKasts' Speakerboxx/The Love Below, among others.

Hill spoke about her intent with the album in an interview with Rolling Stone. “I think my intention was simply to make something that made my foremothers and forefathers in music and social and political struggle know that someone received what they’d sacrificed to give us, and to let my peers know that we could walk in that truth, proudly and confidently," she said. "At that time, I felt like it was a duty or responsibility to do so. … I challenged the norm and introduced a new standard. I believe The Miseducation did that and I believe I still do this—defy convention when the convention is questionable.”